KABUL (Pajhwok): The formation of a government team to enter intra-Afghan dialogue with the Taliban has reached last stages, the State Ministry for Peace Affairs said on Saturday.

However, political parties say they have not been consulted by the government over the negotiating team’s formation.

Najia Anwari, spokesperson for the State Ministry for Peace Affairs, told Pajhwok Afghan News said formation of the team for talks with Taliban was in last stages and consultations with all political parties had been made in this regard.

She said different formations --- reconciliation, leadership council, negotiating team, consultative peace council -- were under consideration for the intra-Afghan talks.

When asked when the team is being announced, she said: “Cannot give you an exact date, but it will be announced soon.”

But Painda Hikmat, advisor to Dr. Abdullah Abdullah who has also sworn in as president, said no consultations had been made with them regarding the formation of the negotiating team with the Taliban.

He said the peace negotiating team should represent all political parties, tribes, civil society, women and youth.

“Our negotiating team is ready and will take final decision according to the situation,” said Hikmat.

Yousuf Saha, spokesperson for former President Hamid Karzai’s office, said that the government had held initial meeting with them regarding the negotiating team.

He said initial talks were held with Salaam Rahimi, State Minister for Peace Affairs, and no further talks had been held on the matter so far.

Fazal GhaniHaqmal, spokesperson for Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan, said the government had shared with them nothing regarding the negotiating team’s formation.

He said major political parties and renowned personalities had reached agreement on forming a negotiating team and they will announce it soon.